Prince Charles' Foundation for Building Community set to deliver keynote presentation at Federation's Heritage Group launch
National Federation of Builders
The National Federation of Builders (NFB) will launch its Heritage Group at a national event, held at the prestigious Eltham Palace, on 7th February 2017.
Around 6 million buildings in the UK were constructed before 1919 with the built heritage sector estimated to generate almost half the output of the construction industry overall. Conserving and caring for our historic inheritance requires professionals and crafts people who not only understand traditional building methods and materials but who also have a sound knowledge of the technical approach towards conservation, repair, maintenance and restoration.
Against this backdrop, the NFB Heritage Group was formed by the National Federation of Builders (NFB) to work with its members and industry stakeholders to ensure that the skills, expertise and competences are in place to support a robust and sustainable built heritage sector.
To launch the specialist group, the NFB is hosting a national event at the prestigious Eltham Palace in London on 7 February 2017 supported by heritage agencies, conservation bodies and sector skills organisations.
- The Prince’s Foundation for Building Community, set up by Prince Charles with the aim of combining education with championing community building worldwide;
- English Heritage, caring for over 400 historic places and bringing the story of England to life for millions of visitors each year
- National Trust, the UK conservation charity responsible for protecting historic buildings, monuments, remains and green spaces, bequeathed to them
Also speaking at the event will be the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), the National Heritage Training Group (NHTG), and the Cross Industry Apprenticeship Task Force (CCATF).
NFB contractor, Ellis & Co (Restoration & Building) Ltd, will showcase the work carried out on the grade II listed 1950s renaissance style stately home that won them the accolade of NFB Heritage Project of the Year award in November 2016.
Clare Watson, Chair of the NFB Heritage Group says, “The heritage sector is a resource under threat with skills, experience and expertise being lost to future generations. Without these skills we will be unable to repair and care for our historic buildings, highlighting the need for immediate, strong and sustained action to prevent further erosion of the skills base. I am proud that the NFB, with its long standing commitment to the industry, has been able to bring together these key sector specialists with the aim of mutually addressing these challenges.”
More information about the event can be found at https://nfbheritagegrouplaunch.eventbrite.co.uk
